Editor’s note: Kiarra Barnes is a third grade teacher in Pine Bluff. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Mother’s Day means something new for me this year. As a first-time mom, I’m celebrating being given a gift greater than all the diapers, wipes and formula. I was given time.

I teach third grade at James Matthews Elementary, and I love what I do. My students mean everything to me. But when I had my daughter last June, I quickly realized something so many working moms already know — loving your job and loving your child can pull you in two directions at once.

Since the 2023–24 school year, the Pine Bluff School District has been one of only 23 in the state to offer paid maternity leave through the Arkansas LEARNS Act. In 2025, lawmakers including Sen. Missy Irvin and Rep. Andrew Collins expanded that policy, providing 12 fully-paid weeks of maternity leave for public and charter school teachers.

As a first-time mom, I needed that time to get to know my baby, go to doctor’s appointments and recover. With it, I was able to bond with her, watch her grow and make sure she was okay before sending her to daycare. While hard to put into words, that peace of mind meant everything to me.

Without that leave, so much would have been different. I would have had to stop breastfeeding before my baby and I were ready. It’s hard for teachers to find time — or even a private space — to pump during the school day. I also would have quickly exhausted my 10 sick days on infant appointments. My body might have been back in the classroom, but my heart and mind would have been elsewhere, worrying about my baby and the moments and milestones I was missing.

Teaching is already demanding. We’re on our feet all day, focused on our students and giving them our best. Trying to do that while still recovering from childbirth and caring for a newborn would have been overwhelming.

Because of this policy, I had time to rest, care for my baby and prepare to return to my other kids — the ones I teach every day. I still shed a few tears on my first day back, but I walked in ready. I was more focused and more present. I could give my students what they deserve because I had been given the chance to take care of my own child first.

Even now, almost a year later, I still feel the impact. I didn’t lose my sick days during leave, which means I can take my daughter to the doctor without worrying about losing pay. That matters more than people realize.

I also know I’m not alone because other teachers I’ve spoken with say they feel the same way. This policy has lifted a heavy burden, allowing us to show up fully as both mothers and teachers. It also means we no longer have to plan our lives around trying to have a “summer baby” just to make it work.

I’m honored that our profession is finally being supported in this way. Teaching is a calling, but that doesn’t mean we should have to sacrifice our well-being or our families to answer it.

On this Mother’s Day, I’m grateful — for my daughter, for my students and for the leaders who made this possible. This policy has been recognized nationally, and it should be. It shows what’s possible when we invest in the people who care for our children. My hope is that this kind of support becomes the norm for moms in all corners of the state, no matter their field.

Taking care of moms in those early weeks and months is a key part of maternal health. When mothers are supported, families are stronger, and so are our classrooms and communities.

To my fellow Arkansas teachers: if you’re expecting or planning a family, know this benefit is there for you. Ask questions. Learn about it. Don’t miss out.

This time matters. It made all the difference for me.